The 41st Friday Four

Thanks for catching up with the Friday Four series, simply the 4 weekly highlights from behind the scenes at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch.

Let’s get into it!

1. Fall is in full swing, the pumpkin patches and orchards are bustling! My kids and I are trying to accomplish all the fall fun, and are working through our list of autumn activities. Make sure to add Fall Fest in West Branch to your list of places to visit in Iowa this weekend, on Saturday, October 12! I will be hosting a Candle Pour Bar at 11am then enjoying the festival with my family :)

2. Speaking of weekend plans, have you seen the JoCo Knows newsletter? Tura Lura’s Fall Fest event was just highlighted in the weekend plans - plus everything else you might need to know about things going on in the greater Iowa City area. I have found it super comprehensive, and am telling everyone to sign up for the newsletter here!

3. November has a couple open classes that you can join solo, or coordinate coming with friends! In West Branch, we have Ladies’ Night Out on Wednesday, November 6 with Perfume Pour Bar scheduled for 6:30pm, and is sure to be a super fun night. Then a special candle pour called “You Glow Girls” in Iowa City at the Vue which is our candle making class plus extra goodies and cocktails/mocktails. I’m really excited about all the fun events, if you want to join then learn more about all upcoming open classes here.

4. The calendar is filling up with birthdays & holiday parties, I can’t believe I am already starting to plan for 2025! If throwing a candle making party is on your list for this year, then let’s chat about hosting a Private Party at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch this holiday season!

Happy Friday!

Erika

The 40th Friday Four

Thanks for catching up with the Friday Four series, simply the 4 weekly highlights from behind the scenes at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch.

Let’s get into it!

1. This week the Perfume Pour Bar was held at the Green House in Iowa City. This is a very special space, and the place I began to run consistent events in 2 years ago. I love spending time here with a coffee or mocktail, and it’s so lovely meeting folks and creating in the sun filled, plant oasis. If you missed out at the pop up class and want to make a perfume, there is only one more chance to do this activity before the end of the year, and that’s on November 6 for Ladies’ Night Out in West Branch!

2. Next weekend is Fall Fest in West Branch! I will be hosting a Candle Pour Bar at 11am on 10/12, to use all the fall and winter scents! I have been having candles going a lot more than usual (now that’s it’s fall) and am really into the orchard smells - the apples, pears, and cranberry fragrances. If you are looking to create some fall vibes or holiday cheer, check out the last available Candle Pour Bars in West Branch before the end of the year!

3. Need a night out with your friends? I was invited to host a special candle pour called “You Glow Girls” in Iowa City at the Vue. It’s our candle making class plus extra goodies and cocktails/mocktails. I’m so excited for a Thursday night gathering, on November 14. Interested? Snag your tickets on their website!

4. Have you been meaning to plan your holiday event for co-workers or family? Has candle making or creating dried florals been on your list? Then let’s get you over to learn more about hosting a Private Party at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch and get something on the schedule. I am so happy to be chatting with folks about their holiday Private Parties, and the calendar is getting booked! I can squeeze in a few more in later November and December.

Happy Friday!

Erika

The 39th Friday Four

Thanks for catching up with the Friday Four series, simply the 4 weekly highlights from behind the scenes at Tura Lura Co. in West Branch.

Let’s get into it!

1. This week at Candle Pour Bar we got to bust into the fall and winter scents! Oh my gosh. Delightful and cozy smells are filling our homes as the leaves begin to fall, and it feels wonderful. But even more wonderful is spending time with people while we create. This group was so lovely, we had old friends and new friends all chatting and enjoying each other’s company. I am excited to see some folks at the next Candle Pour Bar (on October 12) during West Branch’s Fall Fest. Are you coming to town for the shenanigans?

2. Last night was the last Pour + Restore of the season, and it was the perfect weather for it. The sun was setting over the state park and it felt like a picture perfect evening to bid adieu to outdoor yoga for the season. And as we were wrapping up our candles about to go move, the mom group said “let’s go to the Down Under instead”. So rather than yoga, I got to make some new friends over food and drinks while hearing some amazing stories. I love getting to know people, and really nothing bonds us like a shared experience. While there is no more Pour + Restore for the session, if you want to go to Barre3 with me sometime soon to move just LMK.

3. On Sunday, Perfume Pour Bar is taking over the Green House in Iowa City. My sweet friend Emily owns the cutest bar/coffee house/lounge in Iowa City. I love introducing people to this magical little spot and creating in the sun filled, plant oasis. If you miss out on Sunday, there is only one more chance to do this activity during an open class, and that’s on November 6 for Ladies’ Night Out in West Branch. Otherwise, grab a group of friends and book a private party to make your own fragrance.

4. I saved the best nugget for last today… definitely the longest note so TIA for reading!

   Not every business idea is one that I need to act on. There are some I throw out there just to get some immediate feedback on (we call that experimenting!) and then move on. Then there are some I stew on for over a year (case in point, the studio) before taking action.

   So, I’ve been sitting on an idea for the last 18 months. I worked through it, flushed it out with my mentors months ago, and I have been too scared to try it. To faiI. And I’ve been looking at my planner for 2025, starting to sketch out my goals. And, I something in me is saying that I can’t let this idea sit on the shelf any longer.

   Over the last few years, I have mentored and talked to dozens of people about starting live events and workshops. I have all this knowledge and experience running events, and I love to share it with folks to help see them succeed. It’s one of those things that once you learn the framework, and gain some confidence in your ability, you can run with it. I’ve seen people have some really cool events come out after our conversations.

   But putting myself out there as an “official” coach - well, that felt really hard. So I tip toed by putting up some information, buried on my website, in the off chance someone stumbled upon it (um, no one did).

   No one found it, because I wasn’t talking about it.

   Most of the time, I have to close my eyes to press publish on these emails and posts. Outside of these small spaces where I get to release information to people who might care a bit, I rarely speak up in group chats or conversations to bring up Tura Lura Co. Yes, I am proud of what I’ve built so far. And, I have a hard time promoting it.

   I am working on it. I am challenging myself to be bolder. To put this offering out there and see if anyone wants to talk more.

   So here’s my pitch:

   On Sunday, November 10 from 1-4pm I am hosting a session (in person) called The Art of Workshops. This session is tailored for individuals who are passionate about sharing their creative talents and ideas, but do not yet have experience in hosting live events or workshops.

   This event is for you if hosting an event in 2025 is on your goal list. The Art of Workshops will be a transformative journey designed to equip you with the essential skills and strategies needed to design, plan, and execute successful community-centered workshops. 

   My heart is racing a little bit. I am shaky. But I got this out. I was able to put it up online for real. You can learn more here, and I appreciate you sharing it with anyone who might be interested. I have a little interest form on the page too, if people are curious but can’t attend in person.

   I will talk more about this the next few week. Maybe start to post it on social and event calendars. I appreciate you creating a space where I can share.

Happy Friday to my wonderful friends who are still reading this email every week. Much love,

Erika